1. Description: Our technology is founded upon an innovative method of producing monosilane and alkoxysilanes through the direct reaction of metallurgical silicon with anhydrous ethyl alcohol. The technical problem to be solved involves the induction period at the initial stage of the reaction in the preparation of alkoxysilane, reduction in selectivity and conversion rate of the final product, issues with continuous reaction, decreased productivity, and other drawbacks. Our invention’s primary objective is to provide a new, improved, simpler method for preparing monosilane while ensuring its continuity, operability, productivity, and stability. The proposed technical solution in the patent offers several advantages, such as improved efficiency, sufficient applicability in both laboratory conditions and small-scale production, as well as on an industrial scale, and the simplification and enhancement of the preparation process while ensuring its continuity, operability, productivity, and stability.

The process includes several stages:

• • Wet grinding treatment of silicon particles in a liquid medium to achieve particle sizes from 30 µm to 100 µm.
• • Continuous feeding of the suspension containing the ground silicon particles and solvent into the reactor. Then, the synthesis of alkoxysilanes (triethoxysilane and tetraethoxysilane) occurs through the reaction of silicon particles with anhydrous ethyl alcohol in the presence of a copper-based catalyst in a solvent medium heated to a temperature ranging from 160°C to 300°C.
• • Synthesis of monosilane gas from the obtained triethoxysilane using sodium ethoxide as a catalyst.

This process has several key advantages:

• • It is continuous due to the absence of an induction period.
• • The process is conducted at relatively low temperatures and pressures, making it safe and energy-efficient.
• • All the reagents used and the final products are environmentally safe.
• • The technology is easily scalable, allowing it to be used for both small and large-scale production.
• • Process efficiency and product selectivity are improved through the optimisation of reaction conditions, catalyst type, and reagent feed rate.
• • Continuous reagent supply and reaction medium purification processes ensure increased productivity and stability of the synthesis process.
• • The application of new methods for reaction medium purification minimises contamination buildup and enhances the quality of the final product. Therefore, the proposed method is an efficient and promising solution for producing monosilane and alkoxysilanes, characterised by high productivity, selectivity, and process stability.

2. Advantages for Small and Medium-sized Businesses
The key benefit of our technology is the capability to organize the production of both the raw material for solar panel production, monosilane, and the solar panels themselves within a single production facility! Additionally, this production can be organized within the framework of small and medium-sized businesses. Another advantage of our invention is its circularity, meaning the complete sustainability of the production process and its environmental friendliness, as it does not use any polluting substances in the production of monosilane, and produces green hydrogen as a byproduct.
The ability to organize production within the framework of small and medium-sized businesses: Today‘s technologies for the production of silane and silicon have become more efficient thanks to innovations. However, many of them remain economically inefficient for small-scale production. This leads to a closed market for monosilane and silicon for small and medium-sized businesses. This business model is successfully utilized by China, giving it enormous competitive advantages in the global market. Our silane production technology differs from existing technologies in that it is adapted for small-scale production, making it accessible for small and medium-sized businesses. This advantage allows small and medium-sized businesses to participate in the supply chain for solar panel production. With a competitive market involving small and medium-sized businesses among raw material suppliers, solar panel manufacturers can successfully compete with Chinese producers. Additionally, the applicability of the technology in this context provides several economic benefits, primarily the stimulation of industrial innovation and regional development in Europe based on green technologies:

This advantage allows small and medium-sized businesses to participate in the supply chain for solar panel production. With a competitive market involving small and medium-sized businesses among raw material suppliers, solar panel manufacturers can successfully compete with Chinese producers. Additionally, the applicability of the technology in this context provides several economic benefits, primarily the stimulation of industrial innovation and regional development in Europe based on green technologies:
Reduction of CAPEX:: Using our technology significantly reduces capital expenditures on the construction and launch of production facilities, thanks to the modular type of production organization. This makes investment in the project more accessible for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Increased Competitiveness: Due to the economic efficiency of small-scale production, small and medium-sized enterprises can successfully compete with large manufacturers in local and regional markets.
Integration into Production Chains: The technology easily integrates into existing production lines for HIT solar cells, where monosilane is required as a raw material. This opens a new chapter in the development of solar energy, making it possible to produce solar panels within the framework of small and medium-sized businesses.
Reducing Dependency on Imports: European manufacturers do not need to rely on imported silane, especially from China, if there are small-scale production facilities nearby that can meet their needs. This reduces the risks associated with external market factors such as currency exchange rate fluctuations and customs duties. The ability to integrate monosilane production with solar panel manufacturing and to develop such production complexes within the framework of small and medium-sized businesses opens up the possibility for the European market to achieve independence from Chinese and other external monopolists in the solar panel production sector.
Stimulating Local Development: The creation of small and medium-sized production enterprises in this area contributes to the development of the local economy, job creation, and the growth of the industrial base in the region.
Overall, the use of this technology allows small and medium-sized enterprises to enter the silane and silicon market, previously accessible only to large players, and ensure economic efficiency in production under limited volume conditions.

3. Environmental Issues
The dominant technology in monosilane production is the Union Carbide technology. The Union Carbide process for producing silane involves the use of chlorine as a reagent, usually in the form of hydrogen chloride (HCl). Chlorine, when released into the environment, can contribute to air pollution when it enters the atmosphere. For example, hydrogen chloride can react with moisture in the air to form hydrochloric acid, which is a corrosive and irritating compound. This can lead to respiratory problems and damage to vegetation.
Additionally, chlorine and its compounds can contaminate water sources. This pollution can harm aquatic ecosystems and pose a threat to both aquatic flora and fauna, as well as to human health if contaminated water is consumed. Chlorine compounds can penetrate the soil, especially if they are released as airborne pollutants and subsequently settle on the ground. This can affect soil quality and harm plants and microorganisms living in the soil. Exposure to chlorine, whether by inhaling chlorine gas or coming into contact with chlorine-containing compounds, can pose health risks to humans and animals. Short-term exposure can cause respiratory irritation, while long-term exposure can lead to more serious health effects, including damage to the respiratory system and an increased risk of certain diseases.
For manufacturers using chlorine, such as the Union Carbide process for silane production, it is crucial to implement appropriate measures for containment, treatment, and disposal to minimize the environmental impact. However, despite all measures, the environmental burden remains significant. To mitigate these environmental issues, it is necessary to consider alternative processes that eliminate the use of chlorine.

Our technology ensures the highest possible level of environmental safety. The absence of chlorine and its compounds in the technological process significantly reduces the risk of air, water, and soil pollution. This contributes to the preservation and protection of the environment, maintaining healthy ecosystems. Excluding chlorine from the production chain also reduces health and safety risks for workers. Chlorine and its compounds can be hazardous due to their toxicity and corrosive properties. Our technology creates safe working conditions for personnel, which enhances productivity and reduces the risk of industrial accidents.
In addition to environmental benefits, the absence of chlorine and chlorine compounds also improves the economic efficiency of production. Our technology means lower costs spent on safety measures and emission control, which reduces operational expenses and increases market competitiveness. Comparing our chlorine-free technology with the Union Carbide technology for silicon production, we see that the absence of chlorine and its compounds in our process gives us a significant advantage. This not only promotes environmental and worker health protection but also enhances the efficiency and competitiveness of our production.
Our technology aligns with the key goals of the Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP), adopted by the European Commission in March 2020. Specifically:
Resource efficiency: Our continuous, scalable process increases resource efficiency by optimising reaction conditions and minimising waste.
Sustainable growth: By providing environmentally friendly and safe technologies, we promote sustainable industrial growth and job creation.
Climate neutrality: Our energy-efficient process supports the EU‘s goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
Biodiversity conservation: Reducing environmental pollution risks helps stop biodiversity loss, which aligns with CEAP objectives.

4. By-products
Tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) is a by-product of silicon production and can be used in various industries due to its chemical properties. For example:

• • Glass Production: TEOS is used in glass production as a raw material to produce organosilicon compounds that enhance the strength and transparency of glass. These compounds can be used to manufacture double-glazed windows, solar panels, optical lenses, and other products.
• • Film and Coating Production: TEOS is used as a precursor for depositing thin silicon oxide films by chemical vapour deposition (CVD) or sol-gel methods. These films and coatings are widely used in microelectronics, the semiconductor industry, and in the production of optical and protective coatings.
• • Nanotechnology Applications: TEOS can be used in nanotechnology to produce silicon oxide nanoparticles, which can be applied as nanomaterials to improve the mechanical, electrical, and optical properties of various materials.
• • Silicon Polymer Production: TEOS can be used in the synthesis of silicon polymers, which are applied in medical materials, electronics, and the production of membranes and coatings with enhanced properties.

Utilizing TEOS as a by-product reduces the costs associated with its synthesis and disposal, potentially lowering the overall operational expenses of silicon production. TEOS can also be recycled and used in various manufacturing processes, increasing its utility and adding value to the production chain. TEOS possesses diverse chemical and physical properties, offering a wide range of applications across different industries and sciences. Thus, TEOS is a valuable by-product in silicon production, offering significant economic and technical advantages.

Another advantage of our technology, with its focus on small and medium-sized businesses, is the potential to find markets for by-products and avoid unnecessary storage. When producing monosilane on a small and medium scale, the by-product TEOS can be marketed. This approach provides additional advantages for achieving technology profitability. The availability of such a valuable material at a low cost in the market will foster the creation of new industrial sectors for producing TEOS-based products, which are currently less accessible due to high market costs.

Thus, TEOS becomes a valuable by-product using our innovative method and can be used in various industries, offering significant economic and technical benefits.

• Green Hydrogen Production: Another valuable by-product is hydrogen. Hydrogen as a by-product in silicon production offers several additional advantages, especially in the European market. Hydrogen is a clean and highly energetic fuel that can be used in various industries, including transportation, power generation, and industry. Europe is increasingly focused on reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to alternative energy sources, such as hydrogen, making its use important for sustainable development.

European countries are also actively developing hydrogen energy, including hydrogen production through electrolysis from renewable energy sources. By-product hydrogen from silicon production can be used as an additional hydrogen source for these purposes, contributing to the development of environmentally friendly technologies.
The presence of hydrogen as a by-product can stimulate innovations in its use and processing. This can lead to the development of new technologies and solutions applicable in various industries such as transportation, energy, and the chemical industry.
Hydrogen can be used within the enterprise for energy production or as a raw material for other manufacturing processes. This reduces the enterprise‘s operational costs and improves its competitiveness in the market.
Hydrogen, as a clean and environmentally friendly fuel, complies with strict environmental protection regulations and standards, which is important for companies operating in the European market.
Thus, the presence of hydrogen as a by-product in silicon production represents not only an opportunity to reduce waste and improve the energy efficiency of production but also creates additional opportunities for developing environmentally friendly technologies and products in the European market.